Make digital tools easy to access for PWDs - advocacy group

ICT and Digital Economy CS Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo/Handout

An advocacy group for people with disabilities has called on the government and other stakeholders to make digital tools easy to access for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

The call was made during the 6^th Inclusive Africa Conference to accelerate digital accessibility for persons with disabilities in Africa, held in Nairobi on Tuesday.

The organisation, inABLE advocacy association, implored the government and other stakeholders in the digital space to design digital tools in a way that will make it easier for PWDs to access and process information seamlessly.

Speaking during the conference, Irine Mbari Kirika, the Founder and Executive Director, inABLE, reiterated that technology is an equalizer when it is accessible through digital tools.

“We are already experiencing the transformative power of digital tools. A dynamic movement is shaping political landscapes, driving demands for accountability and increasing governance across the continent.

"When digital products and services are not designed with accessibility in mind, they create invisible walls that deny users the opportunity to access them, or engage communities in activities across all areas of life,” she said.

She said this renders digital accessibility a priority and a fundamental human right, and a necessary economic consideration.

She said digital accessibility is not a one-time thing but a continuous, evolving process that must be embedded to restart and grow the development of life.

"Accessibility is not an item but a core design principle. This requires intentional policies, inclusive design standards, cross-sector collaboration and sustainable investment,” she added.

ICT and Digital Economy CS William Kabogo reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to making the more than 33,000 government services that are already digitised on Ecitizen fully accessible online for persons with disabilities.

“The Ministry will partner with innovators, leading global technology companies, and organisations representing Persons with Disabilities to drive forward Kenya’s digital accessibility agenda," he said.

"Central to this effort is the implementation of the Accessibility Standard for Digital Products, which is already transforming how organizations design and deliver digital services,” the CS said.

Dina Randrianasolo, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Innovation at the Mastercard Foundation, emphasised that digital accessibility is fundamental to education, employment and the full participation of young people across Africa.

“More than 135 million people on the continent require assistive technologies ranging from screen readers and mobility aids to hearing devices and accessible software," Randrianasolo said.

Randrianasolo said only three per cent currently have access, hence showing the urgent need to accelerate digital inclusion efforts to all without discrimination.